Additional Services

American Heart Association Go Red for Women Survivor Class

Spreading the Word About Heart Health

This year we’re sponsoring the Go Red For Women Survivor Class: a brave group of local women who have each survived their own health crisis and lived to tell about it. We introduce them here, and offer a few tips for you to start on the road to a healthier life, for you and your loved ones.

The 2017 Go Red for Women Survivor Class

Angie was 21 years old, healthy and active. Things were good for her… except for “a little stress.” Then one day that stress took over her body. A metaphorical broken heart turned into actual physical damage, causing cardiomyopathy. Hear her full story >

Deb was always putting others first: working, volunteering, and being a grandma. She didn’t take the proper time to care for herself. Then one day it all came to a head, with ill feeling throughout her whole body, but not acutely in her heart. Women’s symptoms are different; she was having a heart attack. Contribute to her fundraising here.Hear her full story >

Elvira never had breathing issues or heart pain, but regular visits to the doctor showed warning signs. She had narrowing of the heart valve, and as it was being monitored, it was getting worse. She was sent to a cardiologist and it was caught it early enough. Now she’s taking precautions and educating others. Contribute to her fundraising here.Hear her full story >

Nickie had high blood pressure, from stress and other inherent factors. Her mom and her grandmother had it, too. The day of her stroke, she was very dizzy, and even lost consciousness. Now her kids and grandkids are being monitored early for their high blood pressure. It’s important we be aware, and take care of our health. Hear her full story >

Patricia led a stressful life. Relationships, smoking, bad eating habits, and a desk job were not good for her health. A year before her heart attack, she was not feeling well, but couldn’t pinpoint the problem. The heart attack was a catalyst for change. Even with a new, healthy routine, the damage had already been done.Contribute to her fundraising here.Hear her full story >

Riya was 8 when she was diagnosed with a missing left pulmonary artery. As a child, she was often sick. She had to be vigilant, and take extra precautions. She was also extra active, as she needed to keep her one lung strong. Riya lets others know that this can happen to kids, and that your disease does not define you. Contribute to her fundraising here.Hear her full story >

Sarah was born with 4 different heart defects. Her early childhood required surgeries, medications, and a pacemaker. She had to be extra careful, and couldn’t always do what other kids did. As a high school senior, she had to face surgery again, though she was determined to get back to her normal life. She now feels empowered, and hopes to help others. Hear her full story >

Common themes from all of these amazingly strong women: listen to your body, see your doctor often, and take care of yourself!

The Go Red For Women campaign aims to help everyone—and especially women—live better lives by addressing the signs and causes of cardiovascular disease and stroke. It all starts with education, one of our primary goals.

Learn the warning signs

Heart Attack Symptoms:

Sweating

Uncomfortable pressure squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back

Pain/discomfort in one/both arms

Back pain

Neck pain

Jaw pain

Stomach pain

Nausea

Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort

Lightheadedness

Stroke Symptoms:

Sweating

Chest tightening as though your heart were in a vice

Trouble seeing, blurred vision in one or both eyes

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

In addition to financial support, we help support this cause with education and community awareness efforts, and our staff and Members are proud volunteers in their many programs. Money raised at events like the Go Red For Women Luncheon goes toward lifesaving research, advocacy, and education programs.

Please join us by supporting upcoming awareness and fundraising events.